Assam to Induct Up to 20,000 Police Personnel, Announces Key Reforms

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a major expansion of the state police force, with plans to recruit between 15,000 and 20,000 new personnel. The announcement came during a press conference held after a two-day conference of senior police officers in the state.

Sarma stated that around 5,000 existing personnel would also receive promotions as part of efforts to strengthen the force. He emphasized that maintaining law and order remains a top priority and directed officers to ensure the state's security situation remains stable under all circumstances.

Highlighting improvements in policing, the Chief Minister noted that the conviction rate in Assam has climbed significantly from roughly 8 per cent in 2020 to 29.30 per cent currently. He attributed this progress partly to the timely submission of charge sheets and set a target to raise the conviction rate further to 35 per cent.

To bolster the force's capabilities, two new battalions will be formed—one dedicated to disaster management and another to handle security requirements for Oil India and ONGC. Additionally, the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy is slated for an upgrade to achieve national-level status.

Addressing infrastructure gaps, Sarma revealed that against a police force of approximately 90,000 personnel, there are currently only about 10,000 police houses. The government plans to substantially increase this number to 30,000.

In a move to combat drug trafficking, the Chief Minister announced the formation of an Anti-Narcotics Task Force, with the process expected to be completed within a month. The government will also seek stricter punishments for drug dealers, including attempting to increase the penalty to two years, and will pursue the seizure of properties linked to trafficking. The proposed force will also investigate economic offences.

Sarma also expressed concern over the low number of medical seats secured by students from Assam, stating he has appealed to national organisations to launch an education movement to address the issue. The next conference of police superintendents is scheduled to be held in Bongaigaon in February.